The Google Glass patent (pictures)

Fashion, function, and the future of frames. The Google Glass patent application reveals details for the high-tech spectacles.

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The Google Glass patent

Originally filed by Google in August 2011, the "Wearable Device with Input and Output Structure" goes into deep detail on how the Google Glass wearable computer could be constructed, with deep technical schematics describing everything from the frames to the mounting and adjustments, as well as touch pad input and the wireless controls.

The video camera is shown positioned on the side arm of the frames. Although the diagram show just one camera, more video cameras may be used and may be configured to capture the same view, or different views.

"The video camera may then be used to generate an augmented reality where computer-generated images appear to interact with the real-world view perceived by the user," the patent states.

Expanded view of the computer

The patent shows an expanded view of the hardware of the wearable computer and its components. The wearable computer is said to include the processor and memory and is configured to receive and analyze data from the video camera and a finger-operable touch pad, and possibly from other sensory devices and interfaces.

Optimal positioning

The patent describes that "in certain structures of the prism (54) it can be beneficial to orient prism such that viewing surface (60) is normal to a line from the image location within prism (54) to the focal center of the user's eye." The prism can then be rotated and positioned at an optimal angle for each user.